First confirmed case of Omicron coronavirus variant detected in US, Fauci

The United States' first confirmed case of the Omicron coronavirus variant has been identified in California, Dr. Anthony Fauci said Wednesday.

Fauci, the country's top infectious disease expert, made the announcement at a White House press conference.

He said the infected person came to San Francisco from South Africa and is experiencing "mild symptoms." Fauci also said the person is experiencing "mild symptoms" and is self-quarantining.

He also encouraged Americans to get a booster shot.

Fauci also said the U.S. travel ban is a "temporary measure" to buy some time to try to get ahead of the new variant, which follows the Delta variant.

The World Health Organization recent designates Omicron a "variant of concern." It was first identified by scientists in South Africa, and has since been detected in several countries.